Ecosystem Functions and Services
Ecosystem functions are the physical, chemical, and biological processes or attributes that contribute to the
self-maintenance of an ecosystem; in other words, what the ecosystem does. Some examples of
ecosystem functions are provision of wildlife
habitat, carbon cycling, or the trapping of nutrients. Thus, ecosystems, such as wetlands, forests, or estuaries, can be characterized by
the processes, or functions,
that occur within them.
Ecosystem services are the beneficial
outcomes, for the natural
environment or people, that
result from ecosystem functions. Some examples of ecosystem services are support of the food chain, harvesting
of animals or plants, and the provision of clean water or scenic views. In order for an ecosystem to provide services to humans, some interaction with, or at
least some appreciation by, humans is required. Thus, functions of ecosystems are
value-neutral, while their services have value to society. BUT ecosystems have value
regardless of human interaction!